1571 Phillip II Battle of Lapanto

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Natalie


Event & Dates
 Major Causes
 Key Events
 Key Outcomes for Analysis
 Interesting POV's to consider
1571: Battle of Lepanto
  • Philip II of Spain dubbed "Most Catholic King"
  • Wished to...
    • Consolidate and secure lands from father, Charles V
    • Make Spain dominant European power (Reason of state)
    • Save Catholicism from Protestant heretics
  • Spain led Holy League (coalition of Spain, the Papacy, the Republic of Venice, etc.) against encroachment of the Turks in the Mediterranean; and to counter the Muslim attack on Cyprus
  • Holy League engaged in a naval battle off the coast of Greece against the Ottoman Empire
  • League prevailed
  • Holy League gained temporary control or hegemony over Mediterranean Sea
  • Prevented Ottoman Empire from gaining power or advancing further into Europe (Balance of power)
  • War obviously fought for political/power issues, but main undergirding from Spanish quest to spread Catholicism and counter Protestantism--interesting to consider religious motives or incentives as rulers like Philip often used religion as validation for warfare